Senior Vice President for Student Affairs

Chapman University, a mid-sized, student‑centered private research university with campuses in Orange and Irvine, California, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward‑thinking strategic leader to serve as its next Senior Vice President for Student Affairs (SVPSA).

Founded in 1861, Chapman combines the resources of a research institution with the scale of a mid-sized, student‑centered university. Chapman University enrolls approximately 9,700 students, including about 7,700 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students. The university’s picturesque Orange campus is located steps from restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques; just 15 miles from the beach; and 30 miles from Los Angeles’ business and cultural hubs. The Rinker Health Science campus in nearby Irvine is home to the university’s health science graduate programs and is strategically located in a hub of pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

Supported by an endowment that recently exceeded $1 billion — one of the fastest‑growing in the country and two‑thirds of which supports student scholarships — Chapman continues to fulfill its mission of providing personalized education of distinction that prepares students for inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens. The university offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and more. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 “high research activity” institution. With a focus on experiential learning, Chapman prioritizes hands‑on experience for students, who learn directly from distinguished, world‑renowned faculty, including recipients of the Nobel Prize, National Medal of Science, and Academy Awards.

The SVPSA will guide an accomplished and talented Student Affairs division during a period of exciting institutional momentum and evolution. This role provides strategic leadership and vision with a focus on deepening Chapman’s welcoming campus culture and its approach to personalized education that provides robust academic and co‑curricular offerings. With a steadfast commitment to supporting students’ learning, development, and well‑being, this leader will cultivate strong partnerships across the university and within Student Affairs, enhance the student experience, and foster a culture within the Student Affairs organization grounded in trust, empathy, innovation, holistic support, and operational excellence. A member of Chapman’s Senior Staff (President’s Cabinet), the SVPSA will be a visible leader on highly engaged campuses focused on providing a transformational experience to students and offering the student affairs perspective and context to senior leadership to inform sound decision‑making.

Key opportunities and challenges for the SVPSA role include:

• Continue Chapman’s strong trajectory of student engagement and success.
• Provide thoughtful leadership to ensure a stable campus environment and experience for students.
• Support and further Chapman’s commitment to free speech and civil discourse.
• Provide innovative leadership to advance students’ residential experience during a period of growth.
• Inspire and cultivate a high‑performing team, leveraging their strengths and deepening their impact.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $300,000–$325,000, with housing available.

Chapman University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process/until the position is filled. Submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications below. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Lindsay Gold is leading this search with Ivan Ceballos, Quizayra Gonzalez, and Julia Hochner.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.